Columbus Zoo And Aquarium Ohio- A Complete Guide Tour

Columbus zoo and aquarium is a popular tourist destination in the state of Ohio in the USA and it provides the biggest zoos in North America. It houses more than 9, 000 + animals which are a representation of more than 650 + different types of species around the world. You will notice and explore new things like watching polar bears swim above your head. You can also meet world famous Gorilla families, meet koalas and enjoy with them. This zoo annually provides $1 million to support 70 conservation projects all over the world. It is a recreation and education destination that includes 22 acre Zoombezi Bay Water Park and 18-hole safari golf club. This zoo is considered the number one zoo in America.

About The Columbus Zoo And Aquarium

This Zoo is a non-profit organisation which is located near Powell in Delaware Country, Ohio. There are over 2 million visitors annually visit and it is home for many different species of animals. They divided the animal exhibit into regions of the world, the zoo is currently handling eight regions. The zoo also owns a 18 hole golf course named as safari golf course spread in 140 acres. The zoo also owns the Zoombezi bay Water Park which spreads in 23 acres. In total the zoo owns 580 acres in which the 407 acre is of the zoo itself. If you are going to the zoo you should explore the heart of africa safari, adventure The zoo runs its own conversation programme and donates money to outside programmescore and stingray bay, polar frontier arctic fox village.

Top Exhibits At The Columbus Zoo

The top exhibits of Columbia are heart of Africa, Polar frontier and renowned Congo expedition. The zoo coordinates into a distinct region planned for deep animal interaction and education and they also feature many exhibits with multiple viewing angles and habitats.

• Heart of Africa –  It’s a huge 43 acre exhibit that copies the African Savana, features mixed species like giraffes, Lion, cheetah and many more. It is opened to provide close experience which includes features like giraffe feeding station, mapori restaurant and cheetah run. 
• Polar Frontier – It is spread in 5 acres and also an award winning, Alaskan themed exhibit at columbus zoo opened in 2010. In which they have different kinds of bears. They have a polar bear yard which is 1.3 acres with a 168,000 gallon pool. It is designed to educate the visitors about the arctic conversation and climate change. 
• Congo expedition – It is the most renowned, scientifically significant Congo expedition. which was led by Herbert Lang and James Paul Chapin for over six years. Their zoological and ethnographic collections comprised more than 54 tons containing the earliest okapi specimens and thousands of photographs.

Must-Try Experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

If you’re exploring the famous Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for the first time then you must try to experience Adventure Night VIP Tour, Animal Wellness Experience and many more, which are given below.

Adventure Night VIP Tour 

In VIP Tour they provide you a cart through which you have the ultimate way to experience Adventure Night. Combining its festive atmosphere in private with exclusive journey through the zoo region accessible only to tour guests. You will see incredible animals and can gain expert insight from guides, enjoy semi-private adventure to make your night incredible. You can take our snack and spend 45 minutes exploring a region of the zoo. The VIP experience is the best choice for families looking for adventure, group outing and a unique way to enjoy Adventure night at the zoo. The ticket price for per person is $29 and the VIP Adventure Night tour is Available on Fridays and Saturday nights.

Animal Wellness Experience

You will get to know about the collaborative efforts of conservation medicine and the animal care team. After you visit behind the scenes at the zoo in Ohio’s Animal Health Centre. You can also join as an education team member as they show various aspects of animal wellness. You can tour the facilities and can also take a look at the rooms where the important procedures happen. Then you should head toward the Wild Encounter building where you will meet the best incredible animal training demonstration. The minimum age to visit the Animal wellness experience is 10 years, and the tickets for per person is $99.

Baby Elephant Experience

You should go behind the scenes to have a look at how dedicated the animal care team trains and cares for baby elephants. You can explore this incredible moment from close and can see the little one play, exploring with enrichment activities. These activities highlight its curiosity and playful personality. This experience will only rotate between the mother and the male calf, Phoebe, and the female and her mother. The guest cannot choose which pair they want to see. The minimum age to visit the baby elephant experience is 12yr and the tickets for per person is $249.

Behind the scene Giraffe Feeding experience

Here you will see the inner workings of our state of the art giraffe barn. You will know something about the habits and care of these great creatures, the highest in all the Zoo. You will also have the opportunity of feeding the giraffe using your hands during this special tour. This experience can be a good opportunity to get close and personal with animals especially during the winter season. The minimum age to visit the BTS giraffe feeding experience is 10yrs and the ticket for per person is $119.

Night Hikes at the Zoo

You should definitely try our Night hikes for a guided and joyful walk through the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Where you will get to know about some fascinating facts about animals and their habitats. As you walk through the selected region of the zoo, it is very peaceful and you will have an educational experience which is perfect for nature lovers. The ticket for each person is $39.

The Heart of Africa: Savana Tour

The Columbus zoo is the place where you should prepare the adventure of a lifetime. Get into its tour truck and begin your trip in the Havana heart of Africa. You will as well enjoy the benefit of having face to face physical encounter with some of the most iconic wildlife in Africa including colorful birds, gazelles and giraffes. This kind of experience leads to having a closer interaction with great species and has memories that cannot be forgotten.The lowest age of visiting the islands of the heart of Africa: Savana tour is 10 years old.

Columbus Zoo Tickets

For the residents, the tickets are

• Under 3 – Free
• 3yrs – 9yrs – $17.95
• 10yrs-59yrs – $23.95
• 60yrs+ – $22.95

For Non-residence 

• Under 3 –  Free
• 3yrs – 9yrs – $26.95
• 10yrs – 59yrs – $33.95
• 60yrs+ – $31.95

Best Time to Visit the Columbus Zoo

• Best time of Day – You should arrive early at 10:00 am to beat the peak time of the crowd and you will also see most active animals. 
• Best season – The best season to visit the zoo is spring( flower blooming) or Autumn(cool weather). These types of seasons offer the best experience. 
• Avoid crowd – If you want to avoid peak crowds, weekdays are best, you may see school groups.
• Holiday option –  During the holiday season the zoo features wildlights. 
• Weather factor –  On cooler and quieter days the animals are more active.
• Zoo Hours – The visiting zoo hours can be changed due to seasons.

Tips for Visiting the Columbus Zoo

• You should wear comfortable clothes according to the weather and sturdy shoes. 
• If kids are coming with you don’t forget to bring strollers or baby carriers.
• Items like recreation scooters and skates are not allowed in the zoo. 
• Due to the heavy heat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must to bring. 
• For specially abled people they provide wheelchairs. E-scooters and strollers are also available in the zoo during the opening hours. 
• The zoo also provides nursing stations and family restrooms throughout the park.

Conclusion

Columbus Zoo in Ohio is a nice and well rated institution and the best place to teach children about wildlife. It is the best in the nation which offers an expensive, clean and vocational experience. It offers various exciting types of exhibits, including Heart of Africa, Polar Frontier and many more. Here, you can also enjoy its seasonal events like Wildlights and an attached water park, making it a perfect friendly destination. By exploring this zoo, visitors will gain knowledge about the animals of the zoo and can go on night hikes and VIP night tours.